Repurposing antidepressants as inhibitors of mTOR signaling in breast cancer
Thu, 24 Apr
|On Going Project
Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent and deadly malignancies worldwide. Recent studies have identified the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway as a key regulator in breast cancer progression.
Time & Location
24 Apr 2025, 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
On Going Project
About the event
Background:
The mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway is central to cell growth, survival, metabolism, and angiogenesis. Dysregulation of this pathway, particularly via PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling, has been implicated in several cancers, including breast cancer, especially in aggressive subtypes like triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Traditional mTOR inhibitors like everolimus have shown promise, but resistance and side effects limit their effectiveness.
Interestingly, emerging data suggest that certain antidepressants—especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)—may exert anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells, partly by modulating autophagy, apoptosis, and possibly mTOR signaling.
Importance of the Study:
Drug Repurposing Advantage: Antidepressants are FDA-approved with known pharmacokinetics and safety profiles, making them ideal candidates for repurposing.
Cost and Time Efficiency: Compared to developing new mTOR inhibitors from scratch, repurposing offers a faster and more economical route to clinical use.